Remember this -- a climate bill will have impact on CO2 emissions in direct proportion to how much it raises fossil-fuel-related energy prices. When supporters of the bill say things like "it won't raise prices very much" they are in effect declaring "this bill will not solve the intended problem."

Below is a map of some of the climate actions being proposed. As portrayed here, the current cap-and-trade bill is perhaps the worst of all choices, realizing limited gains (as demonstrated by programs in Europe and their supporters own estimates) combined with high costs. The program is expensive to administer and much of the higher costs to consumers end up as subsidies to large corporations and green pork.

The combination plan of a large carbon tax offset by payroll tax reductions was discussed here.

2 Comments

Maddog:

In your low/low quadrant you could put Cap and Trade and Payroll Tax Reduction. This would result in a pass through of the Cap and Trade tax, since we all know that corporations do not and cannot pay tax. I do not know the net result of these actions but likely the lower income folks would pay a lot more in taxes but receive only nominal benefits on the carbon side.

I am surprised that congress has not latched onto this since they seem to be most impressed by policies which limit personal freedoms and responsibilities, transfer control to the public sector, are costly and look like they are doing something for the little guy while stabbing him in the back.

tomw:

What I see is raised prices offset by reduced taxes, net effect == zero. Fuel costs rise, but income rises to compensate. How will that reduce CO2 emissions?
Not that I care, because I believe that the "climate change" fearmongers are lying. One does not hide base data, refuse to divulge calculations, and declare that 'adjustments' are exactly correct to compensate for poorly placed data recording stations if one is true to science.
Measuring with a micrometer, marking with a carpenters pencil, and cutting with a chainsaw produces more accurate work than these 'scientists'.